Last craft fair of the season

I decided to limit the number of fairs I did this year as I find they are a tremendous amount of work for very little return on my time. However, one fair I did was one that I am have been exhibiting at for several years. I see some of the same customers for my cards each time. It helps that I am sharing a table with my writer husband, Joe Smiga.

I made my first credit card sale. I used my Square card reader (which hooks onto a cell phone) and sold the painting on the upper right in the photo. These are the two mounted policemen at Veterans Park in downtown Manchester. A retired policeman bought the painting as an award gift to someone else who had been helpful in an advisory capacity to the police force and had recently retired. I was very happy that I decided to do this fair again.

Valor and General Stark -- you can see a better photo on my website and still buy cards and prints there.

I finished November Day, the painting I was working on in my last blog post and posted that to my website as well. It is the painting below Valor and General Stark in the photo above.  Tomorrow is my last painting class. I won't be taking another class in the next semester as we will be traveling again in March.  I'm looking forward to our trip to Ein Hod, Israel as I already know some of the other artists there (it is an artist village) and I will be trying some plein air (outdoor) painting while I am there. I will just make some small studies, take lots of photos, and hopefully paint some larger paintings when I return.  Meanwhile I am studying some modern Hebrew to try to refresh my memory although most people speak English there too.

More photos from the fair, we had a good location right in front of the post office, same as last year:

Acrylic vs. Oil Paint

November at Lake Massabesic.  I enjoyed walking with a friend along the Audubon trails through the woods to the lake. I took a few photos. Acrylic paint on gessoed board, 16" X 20".  This was an experiement on a Richeson hardwood board (panel), not on canvas. I used two coats of gesso and sanded in between.

I have to admit that I am getting a little frustrated learning how to use oil paint. I took a break this weekend and started a scene with acrylic paint. I still have a long way to go, but I didn't feel the level of frustration with waiting for a layer to dry before I could proceed. On the other hand, I missed the way the oils mix and their texture. I guess I'll continue to use both at different times. I have three more classes this semester. I won't be taking any painting classes during the winter since we will be traveling during the month of March, but I expect that I'll continue to paint. I have books and DVD's and a few good artist friends to inspire me.

This was play time for me. I used an old piece of Japanese Masa paper which wrinkles well, a brayer (a type of roller) and acrylic paint. I used a brush for the letters.

I have packaged up some of my cards for my next fair, Saturday, December 12th, 1000 Elm Street, Manchester, NH, 10-2.  I usually sell quite a few cards at this holiday market. I'll bring some small original paintings with me too. Last year I was happy to sell one of a very happy horse (Mug Shot).

I think this painting of Gregory and his mares is almost done. I'm not sure if I'll change anything before I call it "finished". It's always hard to know when a painting is finished. Gregory is a palomino Missouri Foxtrotter (good trail horse) who is a gelding, but he still watches out for the mares.  He lives in Mojave, California for now with family, but may be moving to Idaho next year.

Another example of not knowing if the painting is done. The small painting of the Canadian "Mounties" was done with oil paint and palette knife so the oil paint is very thick. I'm letting it dry and I'll think about it some more. Just a cute image from my trip last June. These mounties were guarding the gift shop at one of the tourist sites (to the glacier).

Thanksgiving was very enjoyable this year since I only had to cook a few things to bring with me. Next up is Chanukah on Sunday evening, Dec. 6th. I will be cooking for that one with help from my hubby and family. Happy Holidays to all. Merry Christmas to my Christian friends.

Craft Fair in December

I am only doing one local craft fair this year. My husband, author Joe Smiga (www.joesmiga.com) and I will be sharing a table at the Intown Holiday Market fair on Saturday, December 12, 2015. The fair is at 1000 Elm Street, Manchester, NH and runs from 9:00 - 2:00 pm.  I will have some of my urban downtown Manchester paintings on exhibit along with cards and sets of cards that can be given as gifts (or used for yourself). Stop by and say hello.

Joe is having a good year and doing more fairs. He's finishing up his 8th novel now. I've read the first 35 chapters and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of them. He has a very scary, but realistic, view of terrorism.  He will be happy to sign a book for you.  His events are listed on his web page: http://www.joesmiga.com/up-coming-events/

Fall in New Hampshire

The beautiful fall weather has been very distracting and I haven't thought much about writing. I've been enjoying walking on some of the trails I usually go cross country skiing on and I'm looking forward to snow.

 

This scene is one I had painted with a snowmobile in the winter.

The sled dogs need their exercise even without the snow. They were happy to be out on the trail too.

We took a long drive (over 2 hours) to the southwestern corner of New Hampshire, Chesterfield, NH, to see the Madame Sherri Forest. I'm not sure if I'll try painting this, but it was certainly interesting.

The trails were not well marked to we didn't walk there too long. That corner of the state also has Pisgah State Park which has well marked trails that we have enjoyed in the past.

And home sweet home. This is the view of my yard. Most of these leaves are down today and I'll be raking them up for a while.

I'm still working on some of my paintings in my class. I'm not happy with them yet. I'll post them when they are closer to being finished.

New oil painting class

"Crossing the Tracks" 

I'm back in school, taking another continuing ed oil painting class at New Hampshire Institute of Art. Last year I took Intermediate Oil Painting, this time I'm taking a class called "Explore, Exploit, Express" with Patrick McCay. Everyone is working on a their own project, in various media. It is quite interesting. The students are all on different learning levels too.

The painting above is from a scene in the millyard of Manchester, New Hampshire.  Almost all of the old millyard buildings have been rehabbed now and have a variety of businesses in them. In the past, they were used for manufacturing, using the waters of the Merrimack River to create electricity for the machinery.

This is a 9" X 12" oil painting on canvas board. I hope to finish it this week.

Since it is an exploratory class, I played with a scene from the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada and created a sci-fi image. I'm calling this one "Many Moons". This one is also 9" X 12" on canvas board.

I have leftover canvas from another project, so I decided to glue it onto a board (using gesso) and following some directions I found in a book.

Eventually there will be a waterfall on this painting. This is Gibbs Falls on the Crawford Path in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire.  The painting is 16" X 20" and I'll be working on it this week in class.  The upper left will have trees too. I'll post the painting as I progress with it.

I've been enjoying the beautiful fall weather and colors here. I've been walking, both with friends and on my own. Yesterday I went back to the Audubon trails by Lake Massabesic. I hadn't been there for a quite a while. It was quiet and peaceful. The leaves are not quite at peak color yet. I even saw a very small snake (maybe a brown snake). I'm not sure of what it was, but it's not a dangerous one. I love all the changing seasons in New Hampshire, but I think autumn is probably my favorite one.

Mother Love -- Rosh Hashanah 5776

watching the mother cuddling her toddler

brought back memories of my own children

now fully grown, one just married,

the others content with their lives

somehow a hug from a grown man

is not the same as reading a story

to a toddler on your lap

but I am proud to see my adult children

 leading their own successful lives

the phone calls, the texts, the e-mails

let me know of their love and caring

whether near or far

as I pray in the Chabad tent again this year

I am grateful for another year

another chance to fulfill my purpose

even though I’m not sure what it is

“Hineni” – I am here

although my prayer is very different

from the liturgical one

but year after year I continue

my monologue with the divine

knowing that I also have the divine

within me

©Linda H. Feinberg

Note: my poetry is still available on Amazon as inexpensive e-books. 

Rosh Hashanah 5776

The Jewish new year of 5776 starts at sunset on Sunday evening, September 13th.

The painting is one I did last year in my art class. It depicts the town of Tsfat (Safed) in Israel at sunset. The Hebrew words at the top are wishing you a good and sweet year.

Art in the Park

I will be sharing a booth with another artist. The show will be held in Merrimack this year.
September 26, 9:30 - 4:30
Abbie Griffin Park, 6 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack, NH 03054

http://linda-feinberg.artistwebsites.com/events/69-art-in-the-park.html

The Artist Interview

I was approached by Marietta Gregg, the Marketing Director of Patience Brewster and encouraged to write a blog post. I checked the site and saw Christmas ornaments. I thought that was a bit strange since I am Jewish and do not buy or use these items. However, I know I need to keep marketing to get my name and my artwork out there. I liked this quote from their blog:

 “Make the kind of work you love and believe in. It is all about showing up at your desk and picking up your pencil, paintbrush or piece of clay. Let the magic happen.

Then, if you want to share your work with the world, or if you want to sell it, you need to make it visible. The internet sure makes this much easier than it was back in the day.

Be ready to listen. Try to find a group of fellow artists you respect for honest criticism. It is great to get feedback that does not come from your closest friends.”

Here are the questions and my answers for the interview:

1. As a child, do you recall a significant moment when you felt truly affected or inspired by any particular artwork or artist?

Answer: I am a “late bloomer”. I took my first art class when I was in my 50’s, a beginner drawing class. My children had all grown up, my bookkeeping business was running well and I decided to go back to school.  My husband encouraged me to try something new when I suggested I take another writing or poetry class.  We talked and I said that I always liked going to museums.  I was always interested in art, but this first class taught me to make good drawings on my own (not just cartoons). I have always been a creative person, but this was my first time with art supplies and art concepts. As a young woman, I expressed my creativity with cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening and playing the piano.

When I lived in the NYC area (1960’s), I enjoyed going to the museums and collections in Manhattan. I especially enjoyed the Frick Collection and I remember looking up at the interesting ceilings as well as looking at the paintings. 

2. As an artist, what do you hope to convey with your work?

I tend to paint from my photos with occasional plein air work.  I hope to convey a sense of place. Since I have retired I enjoy traveling and have done many paintings from Israel as well as the U.S., Canada and Costa Rica.  My husband and I enjoy hiking and I love to paint trails and mountains. The trails are a kind of metaphor for the journey that we are all on, the journey of life.  As a poet I create images and emotions with words. As an artist, I try to connect with the essence of the image aesthetically and spiritually. I also enjoy painting flowers and animals.

My website has “galleries” including some inspirational ones.

3. What memorable responses have you had to your work?

“If I don’t buy this today, I know I will regret it” – from a customer who purchased the original “Mug Shot” – an amusing close up painting of my daughter’s horse (an example of foreshortening) 

A buyer from Texas let me know how much my painting of Franconia Falls reminded her of hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with her children when they were young. (Good memories).

A comment on my poetry collection: “Until the Angels Call”

“Poignant, centered and spiritual poetry by a word-craftswoman. These poems are up close and personal...poetry that reveals and sheds light on hope and life. Highly recommended. I read it on my iPhone kindle while flying to Iceland. The poems were a warm companion.”

4. What is your dream project?

I’m not sure I have one, but I enjoy putting words on many of my images and creating cards. I probably would enjoy illustrating some of my old poems at some time in the future.  Meanwhile my art group “Friends of Art Manchester” is looking for more walls to paint.  We have done several murals and I enjoyed taking part in that process.  I also did my largest painting to date, 4’ X 5’, as a project with this group for Webster House.

I would love to see more urban art in downtown Manchester and hope to participate in it.

I enjoy doing customized pieces and commissions and would like to do more of these.

I would like to have gallery representation at some point.

5. What artists, of any medium, do you admire? (Famous or not!)

I admire the impressionists, but also like the plein air painters of New Hampshire. I follow several artists on Facebook including a group called “Quintessential New England: Paintings by Facebook Artists”. I also love to look at paintings of the west and the national parks. I continue to take art classes and I’m looking forward to my new class starting later this month. I hope to loosen up and learn to paint in a more “painterly” style.

I will be sharing a booth at the “Art in the Park” show in Merrimack, NH on September 26th.  I will post the detailed information on my blog and website soon.

"Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Inspiration

I am thinking about starting to go up to the mountains and hike again in September.  I decided to play with some of the images from my paintings and the verse from Emerson. I'm not sure which image I like best. The first painting shows the view from Mount Willard (2865 ft) in the Crawford Notch area. This was not a difficult hike and it is mostly inside the woods until you get out to the ledges and can see the magnificent view of the roads below and the presidential mountains in the distance. (White Mountains of New Hampshire)

Each image reminds me of a hike and how hard it is to go up, but the effort is always worth it. The second image was from a loop hike around Mounts Morgan and Percival.  This one was much harder and longer, but I was glad my daughter was with us and showed us how to climb over some of the boulders.  There were campers on top Mount Percival. The view was of the Squam Lakes in the distance. (Holderness area)

As I recall, this was not a difficult hike either. This third image is of Barrett Mountain in the Monadnocks area (southwestern New Hampshire). We couldn't really see Mount Monadnock from this site, but it was an enjoyable hike and we had a picnic on the rocks.

If you haven't had a chance to view my Fall Newsletter, you can click on the tab on the top right.  I think you will enjoy it.  As always, you can click on an image to enlarge it.